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Workers Comp claims
Benefits & Compensation
Workers Comp claims
Exchange ideas about health plans, retirement, work/life benefits, and employee assistance.
Has anyone noticed an increase in Worker's Comp claims and the severity of claims and an increase in the attempts for disability since the US has experienced economuic problems?
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Forums » Topic Forums » Benefits & Compensation » Workers Comp claims
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Workers Comp claims
posted at 9/1/2009 8:24 AM EDT
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Posts: 3870
First: 2/12/2002 Last: 11/2/2009 |
I think an STD program is somewhat situation and as you rightly point out dependent on the economy.
Knowing that they'll be taken care of financially should illness occur (which is happening with our aging workforce) is an incentive to stick with an employer. Not as big an issue right now, but for the person with scarce skills in a growing economy, it can be a consideration. |
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Workers Comp claims
posted at 9/1/2009 8:43 AM EDT
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Posts: 2146
First: 2/15/2006 Last: 9/14/2011 |
From personal experience, when I joined my current company, STD/LTD were offered through the PEO at 100% employee cost and NONE of the employees took advantage of it. This was in a good economy. Don't know how well it was communicated, but no one wanted it.
When we pulled out of the PEO, the employer decided to cover STD/LTD for the employees at the employer's cost. Which was minimal compared to other benefits. This year, it is actually the ONLY benefit the employer is covering at 100%. It is discounted since it is bundled with life insurance and the dental insurance carrier. I do think that it is a great benefit, but I don't think most employees look at it that way unfortunately...that is until they get sick/disabled and don't have it. Most just don't think that far ahead and would rather have the $20 in their paycheck. |
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Workers Comp claims
posted at 9/1/2009 12:32 PM EDT
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Posts: 58
First: 10/17/2006 Last: 9/13/2011 |
Our company has cut back to four days per week. We offer short term disability benefits to our employees. Even though the employees pay the premiums it has been a fairly popular benefit. Wages have dropped in connection with the reduced workweek and many will likely feel the need to reduce or eliminate their disability benefits to cut costs. They should do the opposite. With the reduced workweek the chances of getting hurt off the job have gone up, thus increasing the likelihood that they will need this benefit. |
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Workers Comp claims
posted at 10/5/2009 11:20 AM EDT
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Posts: 30
First: 1/29/2009 Last: 11/24/2009 |
I would have to agree that our company has seen an increase in work related injuries. However, I don't feel that it is necessarily intentional on the employee's behalf. I think it is more of employee's having alot on their mind with the wage freezes and cost of living going up. It is very scary times for many individuals and their thoughts are not always on the job at hand. |
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